India, Tajikistan to boost anti-terror cooperation: PM Modi

Dushanbe (Tajikistan): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India and Tajikistan have resolved to intensify cooperation in combating terrorism as well as in the spheres of defence and connectivity as he held talks with President Emomali Rahmon here, the last of his stops on his Central Asia tour.

Both sides also inked agreements on culture and human resource development. In his media statement after holding talks with Rahmon at the Qasr-e-Millat (Palace of Nations), PM Modi said both countries are bound by deep historical, cultural and civilisational links. "Tajikistan is nearest to India among all Central Asian countries. We are separated by a narrow corridor. Our linguistic links are the closest in Central Asia," He asserted.

Tajikistan is the last stop on his visit to the five Central Asian countries, PM Modi added, ”we sometimes save the special one for the last". Speaking on terrorism, he said, “Both nations are located in the proximity of the main source of terrorism. Combating terrorism and extremism has always been an important and productive area of cooperation. At a time of growing threat of terrorism, we have resolved to intensify our cooperation further."

The Prime Minister urged both have agreed to strengthen defence cooperation, it is a strong pillar of our strategic partnership. He said both sides have discussed measures to tap the rich potential in trade and commerce and encourage joint ventures and investments. Both have tasked the Joint Commission to meet soon and finalise a concrete roadmap to expand trade and economic ties.